Embracing Identity in Christ with Who You Say I Am by Hillsong Worship
Hillsong Worship has a remarkable ability to craft songs that speak to the heart of every believer, helping them to connect with God’s truth in a personal and powerful way. One of their most beloved anthems, “Who You Say I Am”, from the album There Is More (2018), is a profound declaration of our identity in Christ. The song invites us to embrace the truth of who we are because of what God says about us, rather than who the world says we are.
The opening lines of “Who You Say I Am” set the tone for the entire song, focusing on the theme of identity. The chorus, “Who the Son sets free, oh is free indeed / I’m a child of God, yes I am”, captures the core message of the song: through Jesus, we are set free and adopted into God’s family. This truth is powerful—our identity is not determined by our past mistakes, our shortcomings, or even the expectations of others. It is defined by who God says we are.
As Christians, it can be easy to get caught up in the pressures of the world and find our worth in external factors—success, appearance, accomplishments, or social status. But “Who You Say I Am” gently reminds us that our identity is rooted in the love and grace of God. We are “children of God” because of Jesus’ sacrifice, not because of anything we have done or could ever do.
One of the most beautiful parts of this song is its celebration of the freedom we have in Christ. The line “Who the Son sets free, oh is free indeed” is a reminder that true freedom is found in Jesus alone. When Jesus died on the cross, He broke the chains of sin and death, and through His resurrection, He gave us the freedom to live as children of God.
This freedom is not just a future promise but a present reality. Believers are free from condemnation, free from guilt, free from the shame of past mistakes. The freedom referenced in the song is the freedom to walk in God’s grace, to be secure in His love, and to live with the assurance that we are who He says we are—redeemed, forgiven, and made whole.
The theme of adoption is woven throughout the song, speaking directly to the heart of every believer who has been adopted into God’s family through Christ. The bridge of the song, “I am chosen, not forsaken / I am who You say I am”, beautifully affirms that we are not abandoned or forgotten, but intentionally chosen by God to be His children. This is a deeply comforting truth for those who may feel overlooked or unloved in the world.
Adoption is a powerful metaphor in the Christian faith. Just as a child is chosen and embraced by their adoptive parents, we are chosen by God, accepted into His family, and given a new identity in Christ. No longer defined by our sins or failures, we are now defined by God’s love for us.
As the song progresses, it shifts into a powerful moment of worship, with the lyrics “You are for me, not against me / I am who You say I am.” These words affirm that God is always with us, working on our behalf, and that nothing can separate us from His love. This truth can transform the way we live. When we understand that God is for us and that we are secure in His love, we can approach life with confidence and peace.
Living in the light of this truth enables us to let go of fear and anxiety, knowing that God’s plans for us are good. Our worth is not based on our circumstances, but on God’s unwavering love and His call on our lives. The song invites us to live boldly in the freedom and identity that come from being a child of God.
“Who You Say I Am” is not only deeply personal but also an anthem for the church. When sung in worship settings, it unites believers in a powerful declaration of truth, reinforcing our collective identity as children of God. Whether in a small group or a large congregation, the song creates a moment of worship where everyone can reflect on their identity in Christ.
The song’s singable chorus and powerful message make it ideal for corporate worship, but its personal nature makes it just as effective for individual reflection. The lyrics invite us to declare with confidence and joy who we are in Christ, allowing the truth to shape our hearts and minds.
“Who You Say I Am” is a song that continues to speak to the hearts of believers everywhere, reminding us of our true identity in Christ. It encourages us to let go of the lies the world tells us and to embrace the truth of who God says we are.
We are chosen, we are free, and we are dearly loved children of God. This identity shapes every area of our lives—how we view ourselves, how we relate to others, and how we approach our purpose in the world.
As you sing along with this song, may you be reminded that your worth is not found in what you have done or what others think of you. Your identity is found in who God says you are. And because of His love, grace, and sacrifice, you can walk confidently as a child of God, free from fear and full of His purpose.
Video: Hillsong Worship – Who You Say I Am
Lyrics: Hillsong Worship – Who You Say I Am
Who am I that the highest King
Would welcome me
I was lost but He brought me in
Oh His love for me
Who the Son sets free
Oh is free indeed
I’m a child of God
Yes I am
Free at last He has ransomed me
His grace runs deep
While I was a slave to sin
Jesus died for me
Yes He died for me
Who the Son sets free
Oh is free indeed
I’m a child of God
Yes I am
In my Father’s house
There’s a place for me
I’m a child of God
Yes I am
I am chosen, not forsaken
I am who You say I am
You are for me, not against me
I am who You say I am
I am chosen, not forsaken
I am who You say I am
You are for me, not against me
I am who You say I am
I am who You say I am
Who the Son sets free
Oh is free indeed
I’m a child of God
Yes I am
In my Father’s house
There’s a place for me
I’m a child of God
Yes I am
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